Career Summary

Biography

Research Expertise
My research has involved investigating factors contributing to serotonin toxicity. Areas include the pharmacogenomics of serotonin toxicity, particularly investigating the role of the serotonin receptor gene. Additionally, I have also examined the pharmacokinetics of sertraline (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant) in overdose and the administration of activated charcoal in treatment using population pharmacokinetic modelling techniques with Monolix software. A third study has involved the use of the non mixed effects model (NONMEM) software to perform a logistic regression to examine factors that contribute to serotonin toxicity in patients who have taken an overdose of antidepressant drugs. This includes factors such as dose, age, gender, additional medications as well as the type of antidepressant medication.
I also have a strong research interest in areas of teaching and learning. In 2012 I led a group which was awarded a UON Teaching and Learning grant, and developed "The Virtual Pharmacy". After evaluation and fine tuning, this is now a successful online resource used in the teaching of the Master of Pharmacy Program at the university. (Available at: http://virtualpharmacy.newcastle.edu.au/ ) In 2013, a further successful Teaching and Learning grant (UON) has led to the development of "Virtual Drugs" - an online library of drug images, audio and prescriptions. We are currently researching the usability and impact of these recent innovations to student learning.
Simulation in teaching and learning is another area where I have been involved, particularly in pharmacy practice. In 2012 I was part of a group which investigated using trained actors as simulated patients in oral communication skills teaching and assessment.
I remain a registered pharmacist and continue to be involved in clinical research in both the hospital and community pharmacy settings.

Qualifications

Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy, University of Queensland

Bachelor of Science (Pharmacy), University of Sunderland - United Kingdom

Graduate Certificate Practice of Tertiary Teaching, University of Newcastle

Keywords

Serotonin toxicity

clinical pharmacy

dispensing

nurse practitioner

pharmacy practice

population PK-PD modelling

prescribing

simulation

teaching & learning

toxicology

Fields of Research

Code

Description

Percentage

080110

Simulation and Modelling

20

111503

Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice

50

111506

Toxicology (incl. Clinical Toxicology)

30

Professional Experience

UON Appointment

Title

Organisation / Department

Lecturer

University of NewcastleSchool of Biomedical Sciences and PharmacyAustralia